Chores are an excellent way to teach kids responsibility no matter how old they are. By establishing a strict “when-then” chore routine, you can increase the chances that their chores will get done without a fuss.

Just like a lot of us adults, kids don’t like to be given orders. They feel like they have no control, and instead of doing what they’re asked, they try to negotiate their way out of it. To make things easier on you, Amy McCready, the founder of Positive Parenting Solutions, suggests you avoid this with a “when-then” routine:

Structure your child’s less desirable tasks to occur before those things that are very desirable...For example, “When you finish your daily family contributions, then you can have phone time.” Or, “When you finish folding and putting away your laundry, then you can enjoy your 30 minutes of TV time.” Now, after clearly communicating your When-Then, (and here’s the key) – leave the room or do whatever you need to do to block out the protests or negotiating that’s sure to follow. Then, stick to it.

Eventually, they’ll realize that there is no negotiating, and the only thing standing between them and the things they want to do is themselves. Additionally, this will help them build a positive habit because they’ll feel accomplished and rewarded when they complete their tasks. The hardest part is to keep the new routine enforced, but if you can, it’s sure to help you avoid the complaining eventually.